Delta State University, Abraka, will from February 19 through 23, 2018 be a beehive of academic activities as the university’s Centre for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS) has concluded plans to hold its first international conference. The centre was established about two years ago with Professor (Mrs.) Diana Arubayi, as the pioneer director.

Tagged ‘Gender and Socio-Cultural and Economic Issues,’ the conference seeks to interrogate gender issues and explore new dynamics in tackling them in 21st century Africa. The sub-themes are constructed around varied concerns such as education, health, ICT, politics, drug abuse, economic empowerment, domestic violence, sexual harassment, culture among other factors incidental to the gender dialogue in Africa.

In a statement issued by Professor (Mrs.) Grace N. Ojie-Ogwu, organising committee chairman and Dean of the university’s Faculty of Arts and Dr. Patrick Okonta, secretary to the committee, the event begins at 10 am daily. The arrival date is Monday, February 19. The opening ceremony will hold on Tuesday, February 20, while the next two days – 21st and 22nd – will be for plenary sessions. Participants will then depart on Thursday, February 23.

The keynote speaker is Professor C. A. Oduaran, a professor of Clinical Psychologist at North West University in South Africa, while Professor William Akpochafo will present the lead paper. Many abstracts have been received from scholars around the world. The wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Edith Okowa, will be the special guest of honour while the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Professor Victor F. Peretomde, is the event’s chief host. The conference promises other memorable side attractions.